Add the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices to a slow cooker.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or on LOW for 4 hours.
Uncover and stir the cider. Reduce the slow cooker heat to WARM to keep the mulled cider warm for serving.
Notes
This is a smaller batch of cider. You can easily double this recipe to make a gallon of cider that will serve 16 people in a large crockpot.
Star anise has a strong flavor that not everyone likes, but I think it adds a lot to this drink. If you don’t like it or don’t have any on hand, it is fine to omit it.
If you want to spike your mulled cider, spiced rum and whiskey are both great options. You can pour 1 to 2 cups into the crock pot or pour 1 1/2 ounces into your mug before topping it with some cider.